NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)  One Connecticut city is trying to make it easier, and a little cheaper, to engage in the civic process.

New Haven is launching a program it calls Democracy Parking, which provides validated, free parking for people who want to attend evening municipal meetings in City Hall or the Hall of Records. The idea is to promote civic engagement.

The New Haven Register reports that the program gives residents a way to participate in city business without worrying about a flat $3 parking fee in the surface lot near municipal buildings where meetings are held.

To make people aware of the offer, the city wants to place two sandwich boards in front of the two city buildings at a cost of $220.